GRADE 8 ENGLISH LANGUAGE REVISION
Punctuation -Instructions: Read the paragraph carefully. Then answer the questions that follow.
Unpunctuated Paragraph
yesterday after school thandi and her friends decided to go to the park they played soccer for an hour
then they bought ice cream from the shop on the corner suddenly it started raining heavily so they
ran home laughing and shouting as the thunder roared in the distance
Questions
1. Rewrite the paragraph using correct punctuation.
2. Write down one proper noun from the paragraph.
3. Write down two common nouns from the paragraph.
4. Find and underline one verb in the paragraph.
5. Add a comma where it is needed in this sentence:
o They played soccer for an hour then they bought ice cream.
6. Add a full stop to show where the sentence should end:
o Suddenly it started raining heavily so they ran home
7. What punctuation mark should be used at the end of a sentence?
8. Rewrite this sentence correctly:
o they ran home laughing and shouting as the thunder roared in the distance
Direct and Indirect Speech
Instructions:
Read each sentence carefully. Follow the instructions to change it from direct to indirect speech or
indirect to direct speech.
Part A: Convert the following Direct Speech into Indirect Speech
1. Thabo said, “I am going to the library after school.”
2. Lindiwe asked, “Have you finished your homework?”
3. The teacher said, “Do not talk during the lesson.”
4. Sipho exclaimed, “What a beautiful painting!”
5. Mandisa said, “I will help you with the project tomorrow.”
Part B: Convert the following Indirect Speech into Direct Speech
1. The principal told the students that the school would close early.
2. He asked me if I had completed the assignment.
3. She said that she was feeling unwell.
4. They shouted that they had won the match.
5. My mother told me to clean my room before dinner.
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Part C: Identify Direct or Indirect Speech
1. “I cannot attend the meeting today,” said Mr. Khumalo.
2. She said that she was very tired.
3. “Where are you going?” asked Peter.
4. They explained that they had already left for the airport.
5. “Please pass me the salt,” requested John.
Optional Challenge: Mixed Conversion
1. Convert to indirect speech: “Why are you late?” asked the teacher.
2. Convert to direct speech: She told him that she could not come to the party.
3. Convert to indirect speech: “I have never seen such a beautiful sunset,” said Aisha.
4. Convert to direct speech: The boy explained that he had broken the window accidentally.
Summary Writing Practice
Tips for Writing a Good Summary:
• Read the passage carefully and underline the main ideas.
• Leave out examples, adjectives, and repetitions.
• Use your own words as much as possible.
• Keep your summary short and clear.
Instructions: Read each passage carefully. Then answer the questions that follow in full sentences.
Remember to write your summaries in your own words and keep them between 40–50 words.
Exercise 1: The Importance of Reading
Reading is one of the most valuable skills a person can have. It allows us to learn new things, explore
different cultures, and understand the world around us. People who read regularly often have better
vocabularies and stronger imaginations. Unfortunately, many young people today prefer spending time on
their phones instead of reading books. This can limit their creativity and ability to concentrate. Reading just
fifteen minutes a day can make a huge difference. It helps develop language skills, improves memory, and
even reduces stress. Whether you enjoy novels, magazines, or online articles, reading is a habit that benefits
everyone.
Questions:
1. What is this passage mainly about?
2. List three benefits of reading mentioned in the passage.
3. Why do fewer young people read nowadays?
4. How long does the passage suggest people should read each day?
5. Write a summary of the passage in about 40–50 words.
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Exercise 2: Protecting Our Planet
The Earth is facing serious environmental problems, such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
Many people throw away plastic without thinking about where it ends up. This plastic often lands in rivers
and oceans, harming sea animals. Forests are being cut down for farming and building, which destroys
animal habitats and increases carbon dioxide in the air. We can all help by recycling, planting trees, and using
less plastic. Even small actions, like turning off lights and reusing water bottles, can make a big difference.
Protecting the planet is everyone’s responsibility.
Questions:
1. What are three main environmental problems mentioned in the passage?
2. How does plastic waste affect sea life?
3. Why is deforestation harmful to the environment?
4. List two ways people can help protect the planet.
5. Write a summary of the passage in about 40–50 words.
Comprehension and Language Exercise
Passage: A Day Without My Phone
Last Saturday, my phone suddenly stopped working. At first, I felt lost. How would I check my messages,
scroll through social media, or listen to music? I tried switching it on several times, but the screen remained
black. I sighed and sat on my bed, wondering what to do with my day.
After a while, I decided to go outside. The sun was shining and the birds were chirping. I took a walk around
my neighbourhood and noticed things I had never paid attention to before — colourful flowers, children
playing, and neighbours chatting. I even helped an elderly man carry his groceries.
When I returned home, I felt peaceful. I realised that I had spent a whole day without my phone, and it
wasn’t as terrible as I had imagined. Sometimes, disconnecting from technology helps us reconnect with the
world around us.
Section A: Comprehension Questions (15 Marks)
1. Where does the story take place? (1)
2. What problem does the writer face at the beginning of the passage? (1)
3. How does the writer feel when the phone stops working? (2)
4. What activities does the writer do after going outside? Mention two. (2)
5. What lesson does the writer learn by the end of the passage? (2)
6. Identify one example of imagery in the passage. (1)
7. What tone does the writer use in the final paragraph? (1)
8. Do you think you could spend a day without your phone? Give a reason for your answer. (2)
9. Suggest another title for this passage. (1)
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10. The writer’s attitude changes from _______ to _______. (2)
a) relaxed → anxious
b) bored → peaceful
c) happy → angry
Section B: Language Questions (15 Marks)
1. Write the plural form of child. (1)
2. Rewrite in the past tense: ‘I help an elderly man carry his groceries.’ (1)
3. Give the synonym for the word peaceful. (1)
4. Identify the part of speech of the word suddenly. (1)
5. Combine these sentences using the conjunction ‘because’: The phone stopped working. I felt lost. (2)
6. Write a question tag for this sentence: ‘It wasn’t as terrible as I had imagined, _____?’ (1)
7. Change this sentence into indirect speech: ‘I can’t live without my phone,’ said the writer. (2)
8. Identify the figure of speech in the phrase ‘the birds were chirping’. (1)
9. Correct the spelling error: ‘neighbourhood’. (1)
10. Choose the correct preposition: ‘I took a walk ___ my neighbourhood.’ (1)
11. Identify the subject in this sentence: ‘Children were playing outside.’ (1)
ANALYSING ADVERTISING
Study the advertisement below, released during the Covid-19 pandemic, and
answer the questions set. (10 MARKS)
[Source: Google images]
1. What brand is being advertised? Provide a reason for your answer.
(2)
2. Suggest a reason for the advertiser not including the name of the
brand. (1)
3. To whom would this advertisement appeal? Justify your answer.
(2)
4. Explain what the advertiser means by, ‘Play inside’.
(2)
5. Do you think that the message of this advertisement is clear?
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Substantiate your answer.
(3)
UA/T4 ‘25